Bedouins

Created on: September 03, 2006
Modified on: August 17, 2009

The Bedouin are a group of Humans that have adapted to the harsh and dry climate of the southern territories. They are a tough and durable people who make the most of what they have and are adept at surviving on very little. They wear light colored clothing that flows in the wind, and veils to protect their eyes from sandstorms. The Bedouin are an ancient race that has quietly lived in the deserts and jungles of the great peninsula for many ages. Bedouin can be arrogant or humble, depending on which nomadic tribe they come from, but a tendency towards secrecy is common to all of them

The Bedouin are divided into three known tribes: the Scharazad, the Kahli and the Amu-Set. The Scharazad are peaceful and intelligent, making fine company, but have an air of arrogance about them due to their wealth and position. The Khali are far more numerous and less wealthy, and are more commonly known to the Human Kingdoms than the other groups. They are kind, honest, and peaceful people despising evil and untruths of any sort. The Amu-Set are a devious and evil people whose malicious deeds have been told over campfires far to the north of their home causing many children to have nightmares.

All Bedouin revere women and believe that they must be cherished and protected. Women in Bedouin society have highly regulated responsibilities and limited freedoms, which are a function of the Bedouin belief that this best shields them from harm and ennobles their spirits. Women who do not willingly accept their traditional roles are regarded with criticism and disapproval by Bedouin men; they believe that such women damage their own esteem and give offense by making it difficult, if not impossible for men to protect and honor them as they are meant to.

When they are encountered by other races all Bedouin are generally respected, but their secrecy frequently arouses suspicions.

Role-playing

Bedouins have a profound respect for two superstitions. The first is that water is sacred, and wasting water, even when it is in abundance, is sacrilegious. The second is that the one hand must be held in reserve to serve one’s master; a Bedouin’s off-hand should always be kept free except when it can be used to serve the Bedouin’s master – mortal or god.
Bedouins have a fierce belief in patriarchal authority, and have great difficulty accepting the leadership – and especially the explicit command – of a woman. Leadership is not viewed as a traditional role for women.